Assistance League of Mobile collects Tools for School

View full size(Courtesy of Michelle Wise)Employees and families of Price Gregory International Pipeline raised more than $500 to purchase school supplies for the Assistance League of Mobile's Tools For School program, bringing two truckloads for distribution to needy students in Mobile County. Stevi Gregory, left, and her son Jimmy Lee Gregory, stand with Assistance League president Michelle Wise at the distribution site at the annex of First Baptist Church of Mobile.

MOBILE, Ala. -- Thousands of Mobile students are going back to school with the necessary tools for learning, thanks to the Assistance League of Mobile.

The Tools for School program, which began in 1994, provides school supplies and uniforms for needy children at seven local Title I schools: Fonde, Gilliard, Hall, Robbins, Turner, Whitley and Westlawn elementary schools. Uniform supplies include shirts, pants, belts and underwear.

Supplies and uniforms are provided for the schools twice a year — now and in January. Last year’s Tools for School drive helped 3,806 students. This Assistance League program is aided by Walmart, Alabama Power, Crown Products and First Baptist Church of Mobile. Other companies provide monetary support or grants.

Members collected supplies from shoppers at three area Walmarts.

“People identify us with our red barrels with our logo on it — “Tools for School,’” said president Michelle Wise. “We’ve had such a bonus year this year that we may add another school.”

From the July collections, the organization gathered a pickup truck and an SUV full of school supplies. The Assistance League also holds fundraisers to purchase additional materials; this year the organization bought five pallets of supplies.

Sister Jean Salchert of Catholic Social Services helps screen students who receive Tools for School supplies. “We teamed up with somebody who knows the process,” said Wise.

“We need to know the children that really need it,” added vice president of public relations Shannon Brown.

Approved parents, some with their children, came to the annex on Aug. 5 to pick up bags of supplies pre-packaged by grade level.

More than 700 bags were distributed last year.

With just 60 members in Mobile County, the Assistance League started as a guild in 1991, and then became a chapter in 1998. Each year, its programs touch more than 5,000 Mobile-area recipients. Last year Assistance League members contributed 4,013 hours of service to the Mobile community, with an approximate value of $24,958. It is part of a larger, national organization.

The Assistance League also makes Tender Loving Care soft-cloth therapy dolls for children in local pediatric units. Wise estimates that approximately 36 dolls are hand-made and distributed each month.

Assault Survivor Kits are hygiene kits taken to the Rape Crisis Center for use in local emergency rooms. It also includes a change of clothes.

“Just to help with their dignity,” explained Wise.

Readers are Leaders helps the same seven Title I schools. Twice a year, two teachers in each of the schools select new books for their classrooms. Assistance League members order, deliver and sometimes read the books to the students.

Baby Bundles and More serves families with children in the neonatal unit of the USA Children’s & Women’s Hospital, providing toiletries, diapers, phone cards and disposable cameras.

Money for these programs comes from member dues and various fundraisers. The biggest fundraiser is the annual spring Fashion Showcase, which includes a silent auction and brunch. There is also a poinsettia sale at Christmas and a ham coupon sale.

The organization also relies on grants and just received a $10,000 grant from the Ernest G. DeBakey Charitable Foundation. It has also received grants from Walmart and other companies and foundations.

The Assistance League is hosting a new member coffee on Aug. 10 at 10 a.m. at the Spring Hill Baptist Church Activities Center’s Fireside Room. This event is open to anyone. There will be a brief presentation on the programs and history of the organization, as well as displays on each program.

“They can see examples of all we’re doing,” said Wise. “Working women and retired women can be a part of this.” Each member finds a way to contribute in an area she finds appealing, from supporting the fundraisers to assembling items at home and delivering them each month.

“People can find a place to fit in,” said Brown.

With no minimum age requirement to join, current members’ ages range from 40s to 90s, with most in their 50s and 60s.

The group meets monthly at the Spring Hill Baptist Church Activities Center, with the exception of July and August. General meetings are at night and begin with dinner.